Fencing is an elegant sport combining lightning-fast reflexes, strategic thinking, and physical endurance. For newcomers, watching a fencing match can be both fascinating and confusing. This guide will help spectators understand what to watch for during competitions, providing insights into scoring, techniques, and the nuances that make fencing such a compelling sport.

Understanding the Basics

• The Three Weapons: Fencing competitions are divided into three distinct disciplines, each with its own set of rules and target areas:

• Foil: A light thrusting weapon where the target area is limited to the torso (including the back but excluding the arms). Foil fencing follows the “right of way” rule, where only the fencer with offensive priority can score.

• Epee: A heavier thrusting weapon where the entire body is a valid target area. In epee, there is no right of way rule—the first fencer to hit scores, and simultaneous hits result in both fencers scoring.

• Sabre: A cutting and thrusting weapon where the target area includes everything above the waist (excluding hands). Like foil, sabre follows right of way rules.

• Scoring System: Modern fencing uses electronic scoring equipment to register hits. When a valid hit is scored:

• In foil and sabre: Colored lights indicate which fencer scored (green for one, red for the other)

• In epee: Both fencers can score simultaneously if they hit within 40 milliseconds of each other

Matches are typically fenced to 5 points (preliminary rounds) or 15 points (direct elimination).

• The Indian Fencing Scene: India’s fencing landscape has grown tremendously in recent years, with several athletes making their mark on both national and international stages.

Bhavani Devi (CA Bhavani Devi) stands as India’s most prominent fencer, having made history as the first Indian fencer to qualify for the Olympics at Tokyo 2020. Her achievement in winning gold at the Commonwealth Fencing Championship in 2022 has inspired a new generation of Indian fencers.

Other notable Indian fencers include Karan Singh, who has represented India in multiple Asian Championships, and Taniksha Khatri, who has shown impressive performances in junior competitions across Asia.

The fencing scene in states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Haryana, Jammu and Manipur has been particularly active, with regional centers of excellence developing competitive athletes.

What to Watch For During a Bout

• The Setup and Salute: Before a bout begins, fencers test their equipment, salute each other, the referee, and sometimes the audience. This tradition reflects the sport’s historical roots in dueling etiquette.

• Footwork and Distance Management: One of the most critical aspects of fencing is how athletes manage distance:

• • Advance: Moving forward toward the opponent

  • Retreat: Moving backward away from the opponent

  • Lunge: An explosive forward movement to extend reach and deliver an attack

  • Fleche (in foil and epee): A running attack where the rear foot crosses in front of the front foot

Watch how fencers create and close distance to set up their attacks or bait their opponents into making mistakes.

• Right of Way and Priority (Foil and Sabre): In foil and sabre, understanding who has the “right of way” is crucial for following the action:

• • The fencer who initiates an attack has right of way

  • The defender must parry (block) the attack before launching a counterattack (riposte)

  • If both fencers hit, the referee determines who had right of way and awards the point accordingly

• Listen to the referee’s hand signals and verbal calls explaining their decisions. Common terms include “Attack,” “Parry-riposte,” “Counter-attack,” and “Simultaneous.”

Tactics and Strategy: Look for these tactical elements:

• • Feints: False attacks intended to draw a reaction

  • Second-intention actions: Deliberately missing with the first action to set up a scoring opportunity

  • Counter-time: Provoking an opponent’s counter-attack and then defending against it

  • Preparation: Actions to gauge distance or provoke reactions before launching the actual attack

Referee Decisions: The referee (or “president of the jury”) controls the bout with French commands:

• • “En garde” (On guard): Take your starting positions

  • “Prêt” (Ready): Prepare to begin

  • “Allez” (Go): Begin fencing

  • “Halte” (Halt): Stop fencing

After each halt, the referee analyzes what happened and awards points by explaining the phrase of arms that occurred.

Major Competitions to Follow

In India:

• • National Fencing Championships**: The premier domestic competition where state teams compete across all weapons and age categories

  • Khelo India Youth Games: Features promising young fencers from across the country

  • Women Fencing League: Another prestigious national competition to encourage women fencers in India.

International Events:

• • Olympic Games: The pinnacle of fencing competition, held every four years

  • World Championships: Annual global competition organized by the FIE (International Fencing Federation)

  • Asian Championships: Continental championships where Indian fencers regularly participate

  • World Cup and Grand Prix events: Series of high-level international competitions throughout the season

  • Commonwealth Fencing Championships: Where Indian fencers have achieved notable successes

Recent Indian Achievements:

India’s presence in international fencing has steadily grown. Bhavani Devi’s historic Olympic qualification in Tokyo 2020 marked a watershed moment for Indian fencing. Her round of 32 victory against Tunisia’s Nadia Ben Azizi before falling to the eventual medallist Manon Brunet of France demonstrated that Indian fencers can compete at the highest level.

In junior categories, Indian fencers have begun making their mark in Asian competitions, with medals at the Asian Junior and Cadet Championships showing promising development in the pipeline.

How to Appreciate Fencing as a Spectator:

For new spectators, here are tips to enhance your viewing experience:

• Focus on the build-up: Rather than just watching who hits whom, observe how fencers set up their actions

• Watch footwork: Much of fencing strategy happens in the legs before the weapons even engage

• Listen to the referee: Their explanations provide insight into what just happened

• Pay attention to body language: Experienced fencers can often predict their opponent’s next move based on subtle cues

• Observe coaching interactions: During breaks, the advice coaches give can reveal strategic adjustments

Conclusion

Fencing combines physical athleticism with mental acuity—often described as “physical chess.” As you watch more bouts, you’ll begin to appreciate the intricate strategies, explosive athleticism, and split-second decision-making that make this sport so captivating.

For those interested in experiencing fencing first hand, GMK Fencing Club offers introductory classes for all age groups. Come witness the thrill of this historic Olympic sport and perhaps discover your own passion for the art of the blade!

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This article was prepared by GMK Fencing Club, New Delhi, India, dedicated to developing the sport of fencing in India through education, training, and competitive opportunities.